Thinking about getting a pitbull

[SlitheryDee]

Why a pit bull specifically?

They seem like perfectly well mannered, sweet, and loving pets whenever I actually see one. All the bad press they've gotten could be undeserved, or it could indicate that they are subject to completely unpredictable mood swings. At this point owning one just doesn't seem very smart to me. There are plenty of prettier, nicer, and smarter dogs out there with little or no bad reputation.

Why must it be a pit bull? Are you under the notion that you're going to prove the world wrong by owning one and never having an incident? What if you're wrong and someone ends up hurt? I have nothing against pitbulls, but steering clear of potential danger when you have a choice just seems smart to me.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Do you live in the ghetto?
Are you poor?
Are you retarded?

If you answered no to all of these, do not get a pit bull.

Famous Pit Bull Owners - Past & Present

 

[BlackTigers]

Do you live in the ghetto?
Are you poor?
Are you retarded?

If you answered no to all of these, do not get a pit bull.

I think all of the above apply to you, though.

My friend has a Pit, and the damn thing is more friendly than my Black Lab. Probably the most well-mannered dog I've ever been around.,

 

[Anubis]

Do you live in the ghetto?
Are you poor?
Are you retarded?

If you answered no to all of these, do not get a pit bull.

my sister is a lawyer and her husband is an orthopedic surgeon

 

[sandorski]

Unless your sister's were specifically bred with pitbull, they aren't part pitbull.

The majority of pits, like most dogs, are well behaved. All dogs are capable of injuring people, and most breeds have killed someone at some point in time. All dogs should be watched when socializing with other dogs, and should NEVER BE LEFT ALONE WITH CHILDREN.

Pits have a bad name, and any medium to large breed+ dog with poor training will be dangerous to a degree.

I've got a 98lb American Bulldog pup (14mo) and he's great with other animals and people, but I wouldn't leave him alone with a stranger or child or dog that he hasn't spent significant time around. He's leashed every time we go outside. It's just best practice.

Argentine Dogo you're correct. They have some Bulldog and Bull Terrier and not Pitbull. My bad.

 

[surfsatwerk]

I LOVE dogs, but would never get a pit bull with 2 kids around. They might be the best most family oriented dog ever, but if it mentally snapped and hurt your kids you'd never forgive yourself.
Coming from a dog lover here, I really don't see the need for pit bulls in this day and age. I'd bet over 1/2 of the dogs in the pound or SPCA kennels are pit bull mix.

I'm going to take exception to this. Dogs don't just snap. Any dog that "mentally snaps" was never trained properly in the first place. I was raised around lots of different breeds and I have never seen a dog flip out when in a calm state of mind.

I see pitbulls fight at the dog park all the time. You can see it coming from a mile off because their posture indicates aggression from the moment they enter the park and see other dogs. Every freaking time the owner says, "I don't know what happened, he just snapped."

 

[Pantlegz]

they're great dogs, they hada bad image but honeslty if you don't train them to attack they wont. I've had 2 around babies and small children with no issues. They're VERY good and typically listen well, they really strive to make their owners happy. You do have to walk/run them a lot or they'll get fat.

one thing to keep in mind is they're a pain to get rid of, incase you move or for some reason can't have the dog any longer. We had to do this and it was impossible to give a pure bred red nose away, cost us $500 couldn't get it a home for free. He was a great dog, a little slow tho. eventually found a home that was 'ok' they didn't end up doing all that good with him and he got picked up by the pound and put down bc they didn't want to pay the money to get him out. I was pissed when I found out about this. Shelters around here won't adopt them either...

 

[Josh]

I live in a residential neighborhood, very very nice somewhat upscale area and I have a pitbull, so anyone asking if he lives "in the ghetto" is stupid.

My dog's beautiful, harmless and just an overall great dog. Many many people in our neighborhood have dogs as well and he gets along with all of them. I can't say that is the case for every dog and I will give you some advice I suggest you take STRONGLY if you get a pitbull:

1. EARLY socialization - As soon as I got my pup, after he had all his shots and was ready for the real world, I started bringing him to local "puppy socials" - twice a week. These are a GREAT way for your pup to get used to having other dogs around and learning what is ok and what is NOT ok (the other puppies will correct him if he gets too aggressive). If your friends have dogs bring them around him as well (as long as they are all friendly as well). Once in a while a older dog is good for the pup to learn he can't be biting too hard or getting angry for no reason. Also, socialization with PEOPLE. Bring people around him as much as possible so he believes that ALL people are good. My dog loves everyone and anyone, in fact he is EAGER to meet people and kiss their hands.

(I wouldn't suggest a off-leash dog park because I find that sometimes there are dogs there that the owners don't have control over and can get aggressive and it's always awkward trying to stop someone else's dog from doing something...it's just not a safe environment in my opinion)

2. TRAINING classes - HUGE. HUGE. Find a good trainer (petco/petsmart is OK for basic stuff - sit, etc but you can teach that yourself). I would highly suggest finding a local private trainer that is good with all breeds. This will teach your dog discipline and to obey your commands in any situation (distractions, etc).

3. EXERCISE - These dogs need a LOT of exercise. They have high energy, so be ready to walk them at least 2-3 times a day. Or have a big backyard with an invisible fence to play with them (throwing a ball, etc) - but walking is key - get him used to different enrivonments, etc.

4. Just be nice - I believe strongly in the fact that every dog is a reflection of their owner. If you treat the dog with love, respect, and kindness they will show that back to you and other humans they meet 100 fold.


They are a lot of work and if you are prepared for it - it's awesome. Pitbulls are great dogs just like any other breed, and I have yet to meet one that is aggressive. They were naturally bred to be kind and accepting of human beings - so if you find one that's aggressive I can almost guarentee it is a HUMAN's fault.

If you have any other questions please feel free to ask!

My doggie Kingston:

 

[xanis]

Roommate's SO has one (not sure if she's 100% pit though). Her name is Daisy and she's the sweetest dog in the world, wouldn't hurt a fly. She's also one of the best-behaved dogs that I've ever met. Pitbulls get a bad rap because they sometimes have shitty owners that abuse them and make them vicious. Dogs are a product of their owner, and if a pitbull has a loving owner, there's no reason for them to be mean or dangerous.

pic of Daisy

 

[moshquerade]

Correct. I live in a residential neighborhood, very very nice somewhat upscale area and I have a pit. He's beautiful, harmless and just an overall great dog. Many many people in our neighborhood have dogs as well and he gets along with all of them. I can't say that is the case for every dog and I will give you some advice I suggest you take STRONGLY if you get a pitbull:

1. EARLY socialization - As soon as I got my pup, after he had all his shots and was ready for the real world, I started bringing him to local "puppy socials" - twice a week. These are a GREAT way for your pup to get used to having other dogs around and learning what is ok and what is NOT ok (the other puppies will correct him if he gets too aggressive). If your friends have dogs bring them around him as well (as long as they are all friendly as well). Once in a while a older dog is good for the pup to learn he can't be biting too hard or getting angry for no reason. Also, socialization with PEOPLE. Bring people around him as much as possible so he believes that ALL people are good. My dog loves everyone and anyone, in fact he is EAGER to meet people and kiss their hands.

2. TRAINING classes - HUGE. HUGE. Find a good trainer (petco/petsmart is OK for basic stuff - sit, etc but you can teach that yourself). I would highly suggest finding a local private trainer that is good with all breeds. This will teach your dog discipline and to obey your commands in any situation (distractions, etc).

3. EXERCISE - These dogs need a LOT of exercise. They have high energy, so be ready to walk them at least 2-3 times a day. Or have a big backyard with an invisible fence to play with them (throwing a ball, etc) - but walking is key - get him used to different enrivonments, etc.

4. Just be nice - I believe strongly in the fact that every dog is a reflection of their owner. If you treat the dog with love, respect, and kindness they will show that back to you and other humans they meet 100 fold.


They are a lot of work and if you are prepared for it - it's awesome. Pitbulls are great dogs just like any other breed.

If you have any other questions please feel free to ask!

My doggie Kingston:

Kingston is laying there like the alpha male.

 

[Anubis]

they be cuties

 

[vi edit]

Do you rent? Your rental agreement may prohibit them.

 

[Josh]

Kingston is laying there like the alpha male.

Hahaha more like he's exhausted and stretching out - he's lucky I let him on the bed though ...it's a RARE occasion. I wouldn't recommend letting these dogs sleep in your bed - they get BIG and annoying lol.

Another tip - got to have "boundaries and limitations". Placing rules on the dog lets him know you are the "pack leader". (stole that from Cesar but it's true)

 

[Pantlegz]

Do you rent? Your rental agreement may prohibit them.

yep I plan to get another one when I move into a house, in a few years...

 

[AreaCode707]

I know some very nice pits, and there are lots up for adoption.

1. KNOW THE BREED. There are things that are triggers for aggression for pits and you want to make sure you have those variables under control

2. Socialize socialize socialize. You need to spend lots of time training and working with your dog in lots of different environments.

3. Pick a dog without history. There are lots of things that it is nearly impossible to train out of a dog so be sure to pick a dog without a history of aggression or unstable environment.

4. Commitment. Pits are a high energy special needs breed. Be willing to spend a LOT of time with your dog.

5. Prepare for comments. Many people who are dog-friendly are still afraid of pits. Don't take it personally and respect the boundaries of anyone who is uncomfortable, no matter how irrational.

 

[SaDiZTiKStyLeZ]

Teach them the value of consuming human flesh at an early age.

 

[Josh]

5. Prepare for comments. Many people who are dog-friendly are still afraid of pits. Don't take it personally and respect the boundaries of anyone who is uncomfortable, no matter how irrational

Ohhh yea. Even in pet stores when I bring him in people move to the other side or pull their dog away. I don't get mad - I understand what it is.

I've even been in a situation with a german shepard growling and snarling at my dog and he was just sitting there basically ignoring this german shepard and someone made a comment about a "pitbull always causing problems" lol

 

[totalnoob]

Anyone here have experience with them?

Yes, they are awesome dogs..very kind and loyal. Buy them when they are pups and raise them right. Ignore the stereotypes. I'm sure they can be brutal dogs if they are abused and tortured to become fighting animals..but it is not in their nature. If you treat them with kindness and love, you will get that in return.

 

[surfsatwerk]

Teach them the value of consuming human flesh at an early age.

Feeding your pit the firstborn child of a rival family will give you power and dominance over them.

 

[vi edit]

Do you live in the ghetto?
Are you poor?
Are you retarded?

If you answered no to all of these, do not get a pit bull.

It's pretty much true for my area. The pit bull seems to be the ghetto thug pet of choice.

 

[mcurphy]

Pitbulls are awesome dogs. Very easy to train in my experience and very intelligent. Don't listen to the naysayers here. They are the kindest, most loyal dogs I have ever owned. Not a sign of aggressive behavior. It all depends on how you raise them, and we have always loved our like one of the family. Our most recent pitbull, we have have had since our son was only 8 months old. She is great around kids and small children.

 

[Electric Amish]

We've had female pit-mix for many years. She's great, but we should have socialized her more. She ends up starting fights by getting in other dogs faces trying to play.

Other than that she's a sweet girl and scared of her own shadow.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Lil bros dog. This freaking dog is huge. Head like a shark but he is friendly and acts like he weighs 10lbs. He will jump and play and doesn't understand how big he is. Great dog.

 

[anxi80]

beautiful dogs and if trained right can be very well-mannered and friendly. its the only kind of dogs ive owned, and my most recent one was great around my infant nephew until i had to put her down (tumor that caused her stomach to swell like a balloon; she was only 3 years old).

 

[DrPizza]

Do you rent? Your rental agreement may prohibit them.

Also, check your homeowner's policy if you don't rent. Personally, with all the other breeds of dogs, I'd avoid pitbulls simply because of the bad reputation they have. Granted, with good training, you probably would never have a problem. Nonetheless, lots of people are going to be prejudiced against you and your dog - even the most minor problem will be blown out of proportion. If its playing with a toy and makes a growling sound - even if that sound isn't directed toward someone passing nearby, "omg! his pitbull is vicious! Someone needs to do something!"

Get a breed similar in size to a pitbull & when someone makes a pitbull comment, "you're a fucking moron. It's not a pitbull, it's a <breed>"